Restaurant bio: The Weitzel family opened the Schnitzel Shack in 2009, but the recipes and cooking techniques that define this German/Thai establishment’s menu have been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

Chef bios: Both Joe Weitzel and his son Philipp work as chemists during the day, and neither have any classic culinary training. Instead, they got their expertise and flare from spending long Sundays in Darmstadt, Germany, cooking time-honored recipes with their family. The unlikely restaurant owners/chefs say the Schnitzel Shack, which has gained a cult-like following, was born out of their passion for food and the simple concept of replicating a traditional German establishment, where good beer, hearty food (think schnitzel and bratwursts), and friendship take absolute precedence.

“We wanted guests to step into the restaurant and feel like they’re in Germany,” Joe said.

However, they did veer from tradition in one area. Joe’s wife, Pao, is native to Thailand and gave the menu its exotic Thai twist by adding her own family recipes. The entire clan agrees the two cuisines, oddly enough, complement each other nicely.

“Ninety-five percent of the menu is made in-house. The only thing we don’t make is the ice cream. I’m not ready to touch that,” laughed Philipp.

Favorite dish: German Potato Soup

Why: “It’s a great dish for winter.”

GERMAN POTATO SOUP

3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 tablespoon chicken stock

5 bacon slices

½ cup instant mashed potatoes

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon pepper

Parsley to taste, fresh or dried

Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the fresh potatoes and chicken stock and continue boiling for 15 minutes. While that’s cooking, fry the bacon in a separate frying pan until crispy, and then set aside (do not drain the grease). Turn the heat to medium on the large pot, and add the instant mashed potatoes. Add the milk, salt, and pepper and stir. When cool, break the bacon into pieces and add it to the soup, along with the grease. Add parsley to taste and enjoy.